Zimbabwe has announced its squad for a two-match Test series against Afghanistan, featuring its first home Boxing Day Test in 28 years and its inaugural New Year’s Test. The squad includes several uncapped players and is led by veteran Craig Ervine. The first Test is scheduled for December 26-30 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
On Thursday, Zimbabwe unveiled its squad for an eagerly awaited two-match Test series against Afghanistan. This series is significant as it marks Zimbabwe’s return to hosting the Boxing Day Test at home after 28 years, as well as their first New Year’s Test ever. The lineup features several uncapped players, including opening batter Ben Curran, middle-order batter Johnathan Campbell, and wicketkeeper-batsmen Tadiwanashe Marumani and Nyasha Mayavo, as well as pace bowlers Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri. Veteran Craig Ervine will captain the team, supported by experienced players like Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani.
The first Test is scheduled for December 26-30 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with Zimbabwe also preparing for its inaugural New Year’s Test from January 2-6 of the forthcoming year. This series holds particular significance, marking Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test since a rain-affected draw against England in 1996 at Harare Sports Club. Since that time, Zimbabwean players have participated only in Boxing Day Tests held abroad, including matches against New Zealand in 2000 and a pink-ball day-night Test against South Africa in 2017.
The complete squad includes Craig Ervine (C), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams.
The announcement of Zimbabwe’s squad comes in light of the nation gearing up to host Afghanistan for a two-match Test series, a noteworthy event in their cricketing calendar. This series is particularly historic, as it will feature Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test match in nearly three decades, an occasion not observed since 1996. The significance of hosting the Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test highlights the growth and development of cricket in Zimbabwe and serves to rekindle interest and support for the sport within the country. The inclusion of new talent alongside seasoned players reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic approach to building a competitive team capable of excelling at home and abroad.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s announcement of their squad for the Test series against Afghanistan underscores a momentous occasion in their cricketing history. Welcoming Afghanistan for the Boxing Day Test will be a significant event, symbolizing a fresh chapter in Zimbabwean cricket after years of playing such matches abroad. With a blend of experienced and uncapped players, Zimbabwe aims to showcase their capabilities in front of a home crowd, marking a potential resurgence in their cricketing fortunes during this historic series.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
